Actress Louisa Clein shot to fame as she joined Emmerdale last year as teacher Maya Stepney.

Her controversial character crashed into the soap alongside GP husband Liam Cavanagh last March, but moved on to David Metcalfe after their marriage came to an end.

However, she's left viewers "disgusted" after becoming embroiled in a paedophile storyline, and setting her sights on 15-year-old Jacob, too – grooming him to lust after her with private tuition sessions.

Despite her character's 'evil' persona, Louisa, 39, lives a much more normal life away from the soap, and is happily married with three children.

Maya Stepney is at the centre of a paedophilia storyline (Image: ITV)

The Dorset born actress often shares glimpses into her day-to-day life on social medial, which features visits to the wildlife park with her kids, theatre trips with her pals and holidays with her hubby.

Louisa was introduced to husband Jeremy Brier by none other than showbiz pal Judge Robert Rinder, who she brands her "rock" and "dear friend".

They tied the knot in 2011, with the popular TV judge taking up the title of best man.

Louisa's barrister husband is not unfamiliar with the public eye himself – regularly appearing on television to speak about Brexit and various legal matters.

Louisa Clein and husband Jeremy are so loved up (Image: Instagram)

Louisa Clein and Judge Rinder are close friends (Image: COLLECT SUPPLIED BY ITV)

He also stood as Conservative candidate for Luton North in the 2010 General Election.

The pair are clearly besotted with each other, with Louisa regularly sharing cosy snaps with her husband, including a shot of him lounging in a pool, which she captioned: "This man is my [world emoji] #luckyme".

Meanwhile, on his birthday she wrote a sweet tribute to "the best boy I know".

Louis and Jeremy got engaged at a five-star resort in St Lucia in the Caribbean, with Jeremy popping the question on Valentine's Day last year.

They now live with their children in London's lavish Hampstead.

While Louisa remains private about her children, she also occasionally gushes about them online, sharing shots cuddling her youngsters and even a sweet note one of them wrote to the tooth fairy.

Before fame on Emmerdale, Louisa had several other acting successes, previously starring in Judge John Deed and Island at War, and also appearing as villain Kim Whitfield in Holby City.

She trained at The Drama Centre in London, which has produced some huge names, including Tom Hardy, Michael Fassbender and Anne-Marie Duff.

The star, whose sister is famous cellist Natalie Clein, was also played Phyllis in a 2010 production of The Railway Children, alongside actress Sally Thomsett.